BASED on the 1990s American hit movie, The Full Monty tells the story of unemployed steelworkers who decide to become male strippers to earn money, regain their fractured self-respect and retrieve their family relationships.

This live stage version features a talented cast of more than 20, Sean Lee Hardy particularly strong as Jerry Lukowski, and a sensational live orchestra starring John Sutton on bass.

This production is set in Buffalo, New York State. The cast's American accents are very accomplished, the location emphasising the gritty, honest attitudes of people badly affected by 1980s unemployment and resulting poverty.

This is a pacy and entertaining production with convincing costumes and creative, effective set designs - particularly the gents toilets scene with its rousing vocal number It’s A Woman’s World.

There's also brilliant lighting (especially in the controversial final scene).

As a musical, there are many strong numbers, particularly the thought-provoking Scrap and the show-stopping You Rule My World.

In what could be a dark and depressing storyline, there is sparkling humour, from the hilarious nursing home scene to the bittersweet funeral scene with its powerful ballad You Walk With Me.

Having an audience-within-the-audience prior to the final scene is an ingenious technique.

This explosive show contains very strong language and full frontal male nudity.

The feel-good Full Monty runs at the Regent Centre in Christchurch until Saturday.

Brendan McCusker